The AEAA is very pleased to present this pair of 1950s Beatrix Potters figurines, in the form of a valuable Beswick Timmy Tip Toes squirrel and a contract potted Mrs Rabbit. Timmy carries the proper F Warne Co stamp, signifying the original publisher of her Bunny Book, and whose youngest brother she intended to marry. Sadly he passed away of influenza shortly before their wedding. The details of these figurines is true to Beatrix work, Timmy Tip Toes is in wonderful condition, while Mrs Bunny has a very small nick ear nick. Mrs. Rabbit measures 2.25 x 2 x 4 inches tall for reference, and both weigh 7 oz. xxxxxxxxxxxxx. J. W. Beswick was a pottery manufacturer, founded in 1892 by James Wright Beswick and his sons John and Gilbert in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. They are chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as farm animals and Beatrix Potter characters and have become highly sought after in the collectibles market. Based at the Gold Street works in Longton, they originally produced table-wares and ornaments such as Staffordshire cats and dogs. James Wright Beswick died in 1921, but the company continued to expand under his grandson, John Ewart Beswick. In 1934 the introduction of high fired bone china meant they could produce high-quality figurines, such as famous race horses and champion dogs. The company was made a limited company, John Beswick Ltd, in 1936.In 1939 Arthur Gredington was appointed chief modeler and they began producing farm animal figurines. Arthur Gredington’s range of 190 Rearing Horsemen is one of the largest (and most popular amongst collectors) ever produced by the company. Under decorating manager Jim Hayward, there was a shift towards lifelike animal pieces, including cats, dogs, farm animals, fish and wild animals. Continued expansion enabled the acquisition of the adjoining factory in 1945 to accommodate offices, warehousing and new potting and firing facilities.In 1947, Lucy Beswick suggested bringing to life the illustrations in the Beatrix Potter books. In 1948, John Beswick secured the right to reproduce a range of 10 Beatrix Potter earthenware characters, the first of which was Jemima Puddle-Duck, modeled by Arthur Gredington. In 1952, Beswick began manufacturing a range of Disney characters, including Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Bambi. Along with the designs of James Hayward, the high-quality pieces they produced have became highly sought-after. In 1969 Beswick was sold to Royal Doulton, and although animal figures continued to be produced, by 1989, the Beswick back-stamp was dropped in favor of the Royal Doulton Royal Albert DA back-stamp.The popularity of the Beatrix Potter characters was a factor in re-introducing the range in 1998, specifically for the collectors market. By the end of 2002, Royal Doulton ceased production of all Beswick products and in 2003 the Gold Street works were sold off to property developers. In 2004 the Beswick name and product design rights were sold off, and John Beswicks name is now owned by Darlington Crystal, which continues to produce animal figurines using some original production molds from the Gold Street works. They also produce vases under the John Beswick name. The Snowman and The Gruffalo figures are just some of the nursery figures still being produced.

Timmy Excellent condition - Mrs. Rabbit VG, has ear nick under glaze.